LAS VEGAS — Like many, Mario Wolthers was lured to Las Vegas a decade ago from California by cheaper housing costs. But when his apartment managers tried to raise his rent last spring, he moved in with a roommate. "I'm a responsible taxpaying citizen," said Wolthers, a 38-year-old elementary school...
California to Let College Athletes Make Money, Defying NCAA
SACRAMENTO — Defying the NCAA, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a first-in-the-nation law Monday that will let college athletes hire agents and make money from endorsements — a move that could upend amateur sports in the U.S. and trigger a legal challenge. Under the law, which takes effect in 2023, students...
These Immigrants are Making Healthcare More Human
Immigrants, already essential to California healthcare, will become even more important in the future. Today, one in six medical professionals, and nearly one-third of physicians, are foreign-born, and many are bringing not just their labor but their ideas. Immigrants are responsible for one-fifth of all biomedical research and clinical trials. Immigrant Entrepreneurs are Improving Medicine That in turn makes us dependent on immigrant...
DeChambeau, Watney Surge to Top Spots in Napa PGA Event
NAPA — Bryson DeChambeau hasn’t had much chance to get familiar with his wedge after changing to a graphite shaft this week. The former Clovis East High School standout certainly looked comfortable enough Friday as he attacked pin after pin to surge up the leaderboard at the Safeway Open. DeChambeau...
Albino Hedgehog Rescued in Southern California
RIVERSIDE — Nic, a rare albino hedgehog found in a Southern California backyard, has found a home. Riverside County Department of Animal Services officers found the furry little critter on Sept. 13 and took it into their care. Hedgehogs are illegal in California so Nic stayed with the county until this week....
EPA: California Homelessness Causing Poor Water Quality
California is failing to protect its waters from pollution, partly because of a worsening problem with homelessness in large cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler outlined a series of alleged deficiencies in California's compliance with federal clean...
Marijuana Vaping Product Sales Sink Amid Lung Disease Scare
PORTLAND, Ore. — Vaping products, one of the fastest-growing segments of the legal marijuana industry, have taken a hit from consumers as public health experts scramble to determine what's causing a mysterious and sometimes fatal lung disease among people who use e-cigarettes. The ailment has sickened at least 530 people...
Mother of Navy Veteran Held in Iran Says He Lost Appeal
SAN DIEGO — The mother of a U.S. Navy veteran from Southern California sentenced to 10 years in prison by the government of Iran said Tuesday he has lost his appeal and she is worried that he is being forgotten by the U.S. government. Michael R. White was convicted of...
Voracious Rodents in Central Valley Set Off Alarms
LOS BANOS — One of the most recent threats to California's environment has webbed feet, white whiskers, shaggy fur and orange buck teeth that could be mistaken for carrots. "Boy, they're an ugly-looking thing," said David Passadori, an almond and walnut grower. "And the way they multiply — jeez." The...
Bulldogs Gang Confounds State Prison Peacemaking Effort
SACRAMENTO — California prison officials have halted an experiment aimed at forcing warring prison gangs to get along with each other after the inmates wound up brawling and even rioting when allowed to mingle together in prison recreation yards, officials told The Associated Press. Members of Fresno's notorious Bulldogs gang...